Qatar make their World Cup return on Saturday and will face a tough test in Switzerland in their 2026 opener. Here is everything you need to know about the match.
Kick-off Time
The clash between Qatar and Switzerland will take place on Saturday. The official kick-off time is set for 8pm BST for viewers tuning in from the United Kingdom and 12pm PT for local fans.
Location
The Group B encounter will be hosted in the United States as part of the expanded tournament. The chosen venue is the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, also popularly known as Levi's Stadium, which is located in Santa Clara, California.
UK TV Channel
British football fans can watch the entire game broadcast live on free-to-air television. The match will be shown on ITV1, with the channel's comprehensive pre-match build-up and coverage officially starting at 7:30pm.
Live Stream Information
Viewers who prefer to watch the action online can access a completely free live stream via ITVX. Fans can stream the game on the ITVX app using mobile phones, tablets, or smart TVs, as well as accessing the feed directly via the ITVX website on internet browsers.
How to Watch in the US
Fans across the United States can watch the live broadcast of the game through Fox Sports networks. For digital audiences, online streaming will be available on the Fox Sports app and website, as well as Spanish-language coverage via the TUDN service.
UK Radio Coverage
Supporters who are on the move can listen to full live audio commentary of the game broadcast nationally. BBC Radio 5 Live will provide complete radio coverage, which will also be streamed digitally across the UK via the BBC Sounds application.
Team News: Qatar
Head coach Julen Lopetegui is managing an aging squad but has no major injury concerns, meaning talisman Akram Afif and Almoez Ali are fully fit to lead the line. No players are currently ruled out or listed as doubtful, leaving the Maroons with a completely clean bill of health for their opener.
Team News: Switzerland
Manager Murat Yakin used his preparation friendlies to rotate his players effectively, ensuring his main squad arrives completely fresh. Key stars like Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji and Breel Embolo are fully fit, with no players ruled out or listed as doubtful with injuries.
Head-to-Head Record
These two national teams have shared a very brief history on the football pitch with only one previous meeting on record. That singular encounter took place back in November 2018 during an international friendly, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Qatar.
Switzerland are making their sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
